Wisconsin shot 24 of 47 (51 percent) from the field, while Illinois went 22 of 62.

“It’s pretty hard to shoot 35 percent from the field and beat a team like Wisconsin,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said.

Reuvers gave Happ all the credit for his performance.

“Just watching a guy like Ethan play all year has really helped me better my game,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

The Badgers uncharacteristically turned the ball over five times in the first three minutes of the game, although the Illini were only able to convert one field goal during that time. Wisconsin turned the ball over 17 times in the game, compared to 10 for Illinois.

Neither team led by more than seven points until late in the game when Wisconsin began to pull away. The Illini went cold late in the game, going 0-6 from the field and allowing the Badgers to pull ahead. Wisconsin took its largest lead of the game 58-50 and finished on a 7-2 run for the win.

At the end of the first half and Happ on the bench with two fouls, Illinois went on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 30. With a second left in the half, Trice heaved a shot from the top of the key and was fouled by Andres Feliz. Trice sank both shots with one-tenth of a second on the clock to give Wisconsin a 32-30 lead at the half.

HAPP-LESS WISCONSIN

Happ picked up two fouls in the first three minutes of the game and found himself in foul trouble early in the second half. He sat on the bench for long stretches and finished the game with nine points and nine rebounds.